jakubhi

I believe that all who would wish to enter this contest within its allotment-time have had ample opportunity to do so.

Lessons learned thus far:
1. The ability to customise the interface doth require of some improvement, but the ability to change it is an improvement, and if this were further refined, I will consider to run this contest again.
2. It is far too difficult to customise this upon a mobile portal with the current tools. I notice that the resolution of the only small-portal entry is still very large in terms of resolution, and it is very similar to that which one may call the default layout.
3. Even with smaller elements being mobile, the interface is primarily dependent on the centre-element, which contains the scene and its clickables and the communication-interface beneath it.


This stated, I do hope the frustrations of attempting to customise this were offset in part by the improvement in one's ability to perform within the realm. Henceforth, do find my opinions on the submissions - noting that I am very much aware of the limitations placed upon the contestants in this contest.

 

This appears to be quite a wide layout. I wonder if this is merely the size of the portal in question (noting that large portals do vary in large-ness).
I enjoy that the layout attempts to align the element-islands with each other in a logical manner, especially the Help, Credits, and News elements with the top bar. It would make sense then that the centre-element will take up the majority of the interface otherwise. Aesthetically, I believe this (the third submission with the help-button in place) is the nicest of all large-portal submissions, but I believe - by far - the most important element is missing; the chat-element. It is possible that this is merely a consequence of the dimensions of the portal in question, and so I am somewhat forgiving of this shortfall, and so, I will rate this 7/10 for usability (and mayhap, 9/10 for aesthetics, which, unfortunately, is not how the winner of each prize will be determined).

 

This is, mayhap, most reminiscent of the old layout, where information had been displayed all within a column (albeit upon the right side, rather than the left), and perhaps that which those who favour the Flash-based layout would prefer most out of the submissions in question. Given the interface as it stands, I think this one makes best use of the centre-element, and perhaps is the most logical of all the submissions in question, as most large portals are proportionally breadthful. It is (through no fault of the submittor in question) somewhat similar to the previous, but perhaps makes better use of vertical space, and so, this receives 8/10 for usability.
 

This is, by far, the most creative of the interfaces submitted. For the intended purpose (which, as it appears, the submittor has claimed, is to optimise the ability to undertake combat in rapid sequence); the vitality and winertia islands are in a surprisingly useful location, and the progress-symbol along with it (one believes this may be to retain the aesthetic of the two islands aside this element). Moving the Triggers box to close the gap also makes for a cleaner experience (of course, choosing to omit the central element background makes for quite the opposite). An odd consequence of this is that the scene in question will also have all the clickies stand out, which is a significant visual detractor in terms of aesthetic value. One however notes that this contest is not based on aesthetic and I would argue that this actually increases the usability of the scene artwork and clickies in question; this, however, is far outweighed by the loss of readability of text within the scene in question. Still, one appreciates the design flexibility which is created by the transparent centre element.
Of the submissions in question, I like this the most, and if it were to exist in a functional way, I think this makes best use of the horizontal space in a way that none of the other submissions are able, so I will grant it 9/10.

To elaborate on implications for this submission and how it may be applied to Mur's development ( @Muratus del Mur - read this bit if nothing else):
I feel that the one overwhelmingly correct change between the old (Flash-based) interface and the new were a better use of horizontal space, which this submission, I believe, does best.
 
 
I believe this is the only attempt at an amusing layout. A fleeting observation would be that if one were to merely decrease the width of this window in question, it could perhaps become somewhat of a useful small-portal entry.
 

For the large-portal entry: Placing the vitality and winertia bars along with the other elements along the left side is, I believe, the highlight of this layout, and indeed where I would favour their placement also (noting, of course, the observation that they will not remain there once editing the interface were complete). Otherwise, the elements on the left side were as usable as either of the first two submissions owing to the similarity of this area, and so I will also grant 8/10.


For the small-portal entry: This is the only small-portal entry, and as observed, not only had it been very difficult for most to make this happen (myself included), but the requirement to do so was that the portal was essentially a large one in terms of the size of elements displayed. However, I will accept that this is, indeed, upon a small portal, and thus, wins its category by default.

Thus:

@Ledah wins the large-portal prize, and also the most amusing prize, and @Else wins the small-portal prize.

Ledah, please post in this thread, in a single post, which creature were desired for the large-portal prize, and whether a creature or half-wishpoint certificate were desired for the other.
Else, please also post thy desired prize within this thread.

I hope to run this contest again, but perhaps Mur may first add additional methods to alter the interface.

This is what we had, a butter cake. Was so-so unfortunatelly 🙁

Pecan snowballs, cream cheese spritz with crystallized pineapple, spice press cookies, and coffee toffee with walnuts and heath chips. (But I don't think I'm competing, as I created the Muffin Man.... -- ergo no sign)

I will post first then!:P

 

I would like to see how the sweets you are having for the upcoming holidays look like! 
Your taks is: Send a photo (single or multiple, that is up to you) of a cake/pie/some desert you are planning to eat during the upcoming holiday! Important, don't forget to put a paper with your ingame name on it in the photo so I can see that you are the author of the photo.
Reward: I will buy 3 cakes (the ones from the Muffin Man at Heresy Lane) to every participant!:)
edit: Deadline is 31 december 2022.

"There also needs to be some more incentives for fighting for alliances, it could be something simple tied to sacrificing, maybe there is a service offered that alliances uniquely posses. Any alliance with a high enough score (of some variable?) can provide the usage of altars for people who are not balanced - that player would need to give the alliance some offering for their usage, that will then go to the respective stock."
Here is the basis for a new idea surrounding alliances. It could be a clickable item in your land that is unique to it, it may have multiple functions. One such may interact with heads, others described above. Overall I think there needs to be some agreement between alliance members in their land as to what the function should do for them. Here we may discuss this.

Maybe I should create a separate bug post for this.. but, the trigger windows is a bit broken, as shown on the screenshot below. This happens even if you change nothing, just click the "d" button and then the "s".

 
EDIT 1:
My setup (with misplaced help button because I can not save the layout with it in place):

 
With the help button in place:

 
Side note for probable bug - the idle / out buttons do not work with my setups

I have noted of recent of the implementation of the newfound ability to customise one's interface; that which may alter how one shall perceive of the realm. For those for whom this is unfamiliar, the announcement were henceforth:
 https://magicduel.com/page/Announcement/view/5828

I have spent some time to ponder upon this, and although it may take some time to move the elements to one's liking, I am quite in favour of this newfound ability to do so (many thanks to @Muratus del Mur for this change).
 
A simple quest, then, but one which I hope will encourage of further improvements:

1. Change the layout, using the aforementioned feature, to that which were most ideal for thee.
2. Post of this layout (one would assume the "print screen" key to be of use) within this thread.

Each entrant may, as with all other contests of mine, create as many entries as possible, but where possible, I would that one should edit her own post in this contest, such that each post may have multiple entries within it.

 
Ah, and of course, prizes must be due for one's efforts, although one could also consider that I am hoping also to use an interface which were optimal; as may most of the realm. I will rate each entry based on its usability - consider, mayhap, if one were creating MagicDuel as one who should work for a portal-maker named for fruit.
The best entry on a desktop (large portal) entry will win their choice of any coloured creature released in the last two years (winderwild, moss, priest, elemental, 16th or 17th anniversary elucubratie)
The best entry on a mobile (small portal) entry will also win their choice of the above.
If the winner is the same for both, I will offer a wishpoint in addition to this.

The most amusing entry (from either size of portal) will also win their choice of any coloured creature released in the last two years, or, if so inclined, an certificate-item redeemable with myself for half a wishpoint (noting that I will only grant wishpoints in positive integer values; one will, of course, require a second for a redemption of this sort.)

Entrants shall have one week, starting from the date of this post. Although they may not contribute officially to the final score, I also encourage votes in support of or against entries that also bring enjoyment.

Halloween decoration explorer quest is now closed! 
Please send me your screenshots in forum pms. 
After a few days, I will announce the final results.
Thank you for joining the quest!
 

Halloween decoration explorer quest is now closed! 
Please send me your screenshots in forum pms. 
After a few days, I will announce the final results.
Thank you for joining the quest!
 

Halloween decoration explorer quest is now closed! 
Please send me your screenshots in forum pms. 
After a few days, I will announce the final results.
Thank you for joining the quest!
 

Done
Done
 
Sorry all, I need to go to sleep. I will work on the next load tomorrow. ❤️ 

I will add prizes to this list so that everyone who has at least 10% of the best score gets SOMETHING.
First up would be a Loreroot Marksman (colored).

Task:
Find all of the new Halloween decorations around the realm, and then write (as a reply to this post) the number you have found.
After the event ends, the top three people will be required to send me screenshots of all the decorations they found:P
The decorations in hidden scenes which are not open to public do NOT count.
Example of a halloween decoration would be the web at GoE.
Please, if you are not sure if something counts as the decoration, send me a screenshot of it, and I will judge if it counts as one or not.
If two or more people send the same number of discovered decorations, the one who sent the number first has a higher ranking.
The event ends 6.11
Rewards for top 3 (each person may choose one, winner chooses first):
- 15th Anniversary Barren Soul (colored) (current age: 928)
- Mirrorritual stone
- 10 silver

Although this may now no longer be replicated (it appears adding negative stats to a creature were a very bad idea), here is the result of a test battle with Ledah. Note that all changes have been reverted (but Ledah may require a reset of his Winertia):

 
 
 
Oh, and, also, to fore-run of @Ledah and @Chewett:

 

These should all be fixed.

So I dragged a dusty old plush chair out of storage and put it by the grandfather clock.  Bad move.  It appears to be saturated with the anxiety of MDA students from times past.  Every time you sit in it you get a fragment of an image of the things that troubled them, back in the day.  Can you help me put these spirits to rest, and restore calm to the MDA?  It's worth a wish point.
This is going to take some scholarly insight - every time I try to read the material that is revealed, my head just buzzes and I go to sleep...

The following items are available to bid on with your hard earned plushies from the 17th birthday.
The plushie auction will be run like a standard auction, 14 days minimum time on auction, it finishes 7 days after the last bid on any item. (So the auction will keep running and all items will be open until all items have had a bid older than 7 days) 
Your bids do not have to be purely based on our own number of plushies, You are permitted to "group up", The only requirement is that if you make a bid you must state whose plushies they are, if they are a grouped contribution. E.g. 20 from me, 20 from Eara. If there are any questions ask! Failure to have the correct number of plushies will result in being banned from all entries on this auction, and potentially future ones. Please bid carefully.
Item 1 – 2 Use Kill item Item 2 – 9th Anni creature Item 3 – 11th Anni creature Item 4 – 13th Anni creature Item 5 – 15th Anni creature Item 6 – A Wishpoint But Chew, a Wishpoint needs to be earned, why are you auctioning one? Well its quite simple, earning a shedload of plushies is worth a wishpoint, that’s logic! Item 7 – 500 shards on any creature of your choice (This cannot be split across multiple creature types) Item 8 – Reindrach (full tokening available) ID: 605420 Age: 4583 Item 9 – Rustgold Drachorn (full tokening available) ID: 485146 Age: 4818 Item 10 – Shade Horseman aka Horseman aka rider aka CID 22 (full tokening available) ID: 696293 Age: 4217 Item 11 – Full tokening of 5 creatures (These must be your creatures) Item 12 – Tainted Angien (full tokening available) ID: 810350 Age: 3279 * All creatures listed above with (full tokening available) are eligible for free FULL tokening (or tokening based on your requirements)
Note: As the auction progresses I may start setting minimum bid increments to speed up the auction.
Good Luck!

Then would it be ok to choose Initiative ? If yes then I would take that one. 

I think it'd be reasonable to make GWI give 100 attack and 100 defence, it's the stat imbalance that's the real issue here. This way you can learn plenty of things, ie two people using a 100% slider with one who has three aramors, and one who has a single aramor.. With the current setup this wouldn't work, but with a balanced territory bonus it would.
 
The reason I'm against the bonus being too high is that for one it'd stop people leaving GWI as it'd represent too much of a loss.. 100 is still a lot of stats! At least to someone under a year activity.
 
But, it feels like there's another issue here - if a newbie left GWI everyone is just stronger than them, getting wins would be very hard for the same reasons. Back in my day (hah, I'm old) we could use elementals to equalise that.. But MP3's have no such option now, and the environment is harsher.

I believe a compromise would be the best. Lower defense bonus and some attack bonus ( 200 def, 100 att ?). 
Honestly, I think that a combined bonus of 750 stats is wayyy too much. 
 
PS Ledah: back in your day, Pangea still existed

I believe a compromise would be the best. Lower defense bonus and some attack bonus ( 200 def, 100 att ?). 
Honestly, I think that a combined bonus of 750 stats is wayyy too much. 
 
PS Ledah: back in your day, Pangea still existed

I believe a compromise would be the best. Lower defense bonus and some attack bonus ( 200 def, 100 att ?). 
Honestly, I think that a combined bonus of 750 stats is wayyy too much. 
 
PS Ledah: back in your day, Pangea still existed

Below is the summarized set of responses from people, I have tweaked the wording and merged some to simplify the responses.
 
Responses for What would you change about the event and why (+5 plushies)
===============================================================
Generally people have commented that Chewett should have more help, and do less Note by Chew: Lol Some suggested making the celebration shorter than 17 days, some suggested making it longer. Some also commented it should happen more frequently One comment was relating to being able to get medals without attending the Awards Ceremony Note by Chew: As discussed with Mur, this is by design and we were present for multiple days and timezones Some people disliked the plushie rain, some people really liked it Note by Chew: This probably sits in the right spot, but further opinions are welcome People really liked the A25 mist/rain events and wanted more People suggested adding a leaderboard for plushies Note by Chew: This sounds like a nice little idea Generally people wanted more group/story type events, and land type events where collobration is key Lots of very positive comments here (saying they wouldn't change anything)
Responses for What do you think worked well about the event and why (+5 plushies)
===============================================================
The daily scene location was great, lots of really positive comments Mist events where highly rated by many people (many of the responses mentioned it) Seeing locked scenes and old friends was highly rated by many Contacting old players to see how they are/drawing them back Note by Chew: We need to improve this going forward so its not me manually messaging people!
Responses for What other ideas could you suggest to make next year's celebration even better? (+5 plushies)
===============================================================
More group party games Digging up old history Cooking quests More mist co-op events (lots of comments about this), people really liked the "changing realm" stuff New player friendly events like the Easter Egg Hunt Note by Chew: This should run yearly, Many thanks @Fyrd Argentus  Having a more clear daily host would be ideal Note by Chew: I want to move back towards having "day hosts" and giving them a lot more powers but this year I was more busy with Life. Contacting old players again, marketing emails, etc Note by Chew: I did a lot of this myself, but we need to improve this for next year as it takes masses of my time Plan some official "Realm changing" events like the mist. Note by Chew: I plan to do these kind of things more and more now, the Mist event is a good example and I hope to finish this shortly

Responses for What other events would you want run during the birthday? (+5 plushies)
===============================================================
Lots of comments about more mist type lore events Some ideas about giving players usable items such as shovels/etc, and special items and gifts Simple quests that give small rewards (such as plushies) Lots of comments about cooperative land events (lots of comments about mist/group type events) More MDScript events Trivia/puzzle quests
Responses for Any other comments about the event (+5 plushies)
===============================================================
Plushies raining down had lots of positive comments, and people really liked the increase later on Lots of different events was generally favourable Someone wanted more quests, and suggested the reason people weren't running quests was because they didn't know what was allowed Note by Chew: Anything really, just message me next time There was a comment that the birthday was "hard to do from the US". Note by Chew: I don't really know what this means because typically we run events in good EU/US timezones. I think generally we have issues with people in GMT+8 -> GMT+14. Whoever said this can you message me if you want to explain further please Lots of good comments about the work of the GM's, quest makers, and A25 team.